Dubai Desert Safari: Camel Ride, Falcon Show & BBQ Dinner

Summary

Dubai red dunes adventure with camel ride sandboarding falcon show and BBQ

You’ll race over Dubai’s red dunes by 4x4, try sandboarding (and maybe wipe out), hold a falcon for photos, ride camels as sunset falls, then unwind at a Bedouin camp with live music and a full Arabic BBQ dinner under lanterns. It’s equal parts thrill and slow magic — expect laughter, good food, and moments that linger long after you brush off the last grains of sand.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I’d packed everything but forgot my sunglasses — not ideal when you’re squinting at the endless red dunes outside Dubai. Our driver, Kareem, just grinned and handed me his spare pair. That set the tone: everyone seemed to look out for each other on this desert safari. The drive out from the city took about an hour, and I kept watching the skyline shrink in the rearview mirror until it was just sand and sky. At Labab, there were buggies buzzing around (we skipped those), but honestly I was more nervous about the dune bashing part. Turns out, it’s half rollercoaster, half laughter — Kareem played Arabic pop music and we all yelled when we slid sideways down a dune. Sand got everywhere; I still find it in my shoes sometimes.

The air changed as sunset crept in — cooler, with that dry mineral smell you only get in big deserts. We stopped for photos with a falcon (the handler let me try holding it; heavier than I expected), then tried sandboarding down one of the high dunes. My landing wasn’t graceful but nobody cared; even some locals joined in cheering when someone wiped out. Camel riding was next — slower than I imagined, with that gentle swaying rhythm you feel in your knees long after you get off. The camels’ breath smelled like hay and something sweet, maybe dates? There was this moment where everything went quiet except for distant voices and wind moving across the sand.

By the time we reached the Bedouin camp, lanterns were glowing and smoke drifted from grills. Someone greeted us with tiny cups of Arabic coffee — bitter at first sip but oddly comforting after a day outside. Dinner was a blur of grilled lamb, spiced rice, salads piled high; I probably ate too much but didn’t regret it. There were dancers twirling fire and a belly dancer who winked at our table (my friend nearly choked on his tea). Even now I remember how relaxed everyone seemed under those string lights — no rush to leave, just stories and music drifting into the dark.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Dubai desert safari and dinner

• Drive from hotel to red dune
• Stop at Labab for buggy and ATV ride
• Dune bashing with photography and sandboarding
• Drive to camp for BBQ dinner and camel riding
• Drive back to hotel

Top questions

How long does the Dubai Desert Safari last?

The tour lasts around 6 hours including pickup from your hotel in Dubai.

Is hotel pickup included for this desert safari?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in air-conditioned 4x4 vehicles.

What activities are included in the Dubai Desert Safari?

Dune bashing, camel riding, falcon photo opportunity, sandboarding, henna painting (limited), live shows, shisha (on standard options), and BBQ dinner are included.

Is food provided during the safari?

Yes, a premium Bedouin BBQ buffet dinner is served at camp with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Are drinks included on this tour?

Unlimited soft drinks and water are included; tea and Arabic coffee are also offered at camp.

Is this desert safari suitable for children?

Specialized infant seats are available but it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with heart conditions.

Can I book a private option for this safari?

Yes, you can customize your experience by booking a private tour within tour times in the desert.

Where does dune bashing take place?

Dune bashing happens at Lahbab Red Dunes outside Dubai city.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in a luxury 4x4 vehicle driven by a licensed professional guide, entry to Lahbab Red Dunes for dune bashing and sandboarding fun (with plenty of photo stops), time to meet camels and try riding them at sunset plus holding a falcon for pictures if you want to. At camp there’s unlimited soft drinks and water along with Arabic coffee or tea on arrival before settling down to enjoy live entertainment shows like belly dance or fire performance while sampling both vegetarian and non-veg dishes from the premium BBQ buffet before heading back to your hotel late evening.